By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Sergio Scariolo officially set to return to Real Madrid after the next challenge with the senior national team of Spain in the EuroBasket 2025, Pablo Laso is expected to replace him as the new selector, and, in turn, Paolo Galbiati will become the new head coach of Baskonia.
The 41-year-old Italian tactician will sign a two-year contract with the team based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, according to Il T Quotidiano and Marca. He was previously linked to several European clubs but will end up with Baskonia in the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa, starting from the top of the 2025-26 journey.
The departure of Galbiati from Dolomiti Energia Trento was officially confirmed late in the 2024-25 season. He has been in charge since 2023. Earlier experience includes other head-coaching jobs with Vanoli Cremona, Biella, Auxilium Turin, Bernareggio, and Boffalora.
Meanwhile, 57-year-old Laso is the clear favorite to take over from Scariolo as the new La Familia boss. With two years left on his contract, and only after one season with his hometown club in Europe’s premier club continental competition and domestic competitions in Spain, his exit and replacement are expected to be announced over the next few days. From there, he will complete the process to become the new selector of Spain.
A two-time EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid, the experienced play-caller went from a lengthy spell with Los Blancos, stretching from 2011 to 2022 and highlighting his coaching career, to FC Bayern Munich for the 2023-24 campaign, and from there to Baskonia in the 2024-25 season.